AHAURA NOTES

New Zealand Tablet, Volume L, Issue 48, 6 December 1923, Page 23

AHAURA NOTES

(From our own correspondent.) ' Mr. W. Milkier, who has been to Hokitika to attend the obsequies of his, mother, is back v again at his post of duty as postmaster. ■ The painting and renovating of St. Munchin’s Church is well in hand. The result of much walking and talking and thinking; will, we hope, soon bring a smile to St. Munchin’s countenance. It is the general opinion that the concert held in aid of St. Munphin’s Church, at Totara Flat, was one of the greatest local events yet recorded. The death-like stillness during each item and the hearty applause at the end spoke volumes and told how intensely interested all present were in the grand programme. - The great hall was packed to its utmost capacity. The concert opened with an overture played by Misses L. Higgins and E. O’Reilly. The “Shannon Rovers from Greymouth acquitted themselves with distinction, and displayed a high state of efficiency in the arts - of music, song, and elocutionary items. In addition to several other items they sang, “We’d Fly the Green Above Us If We Had Old Ireland Here,” “Yaddie Kaddie Kiddie Kaddie Koo,” “An Old Fashioned Town,” “Music and Her Sister Song,” and “ ‘Who Did ’ by the ‘ We Dids.’ ” Mrs. Heppell gave a* sympathetic rendering of “I’m Sitting on the Stile Mary” and “Ever of Thee I’m Fondly Dreaming.” Mr. Hadlund gave t a grand account of his beautiful tenor voice in his rendering of the “Minstrel Boy.” In response to several ‘encores he sang “The Stoker,” “When Apples Grow on 'a Lilac Tree,” “Parted.” Miss Doreen Daly played a pianoforte solo, a beautiful selection of Irish airs. Master Bobby Williams recited “Happy , Little -Sain,’’. Master Jack Mcßrearty gave a surprisingly good himself in “Freckles”; he held his audience spellbound-all the time and all the way. Elocutionary items by the Rev. Father J. S. Herbert were thoroughly enjoyed. Miss K. Bernhardt gave a pleasant rendering of /“Roses” “Dear Homeland.” Misses P. alid N. Mbrressey danced the Irish

and Highland dances with- wonderful ; agility and gracefulness. Miss E. O’Riely arid Mr. Hadlund sang, a duet, “Rose of My Heart,” with glorious balance of tone. The singing of “I Want Some Money,” by the “Shannon Rovers,” met with a “jingling response.” All standing and singing in unison—“ God Defend New Zealand” —nobly terminated a concert nobly rendered. Rev. Father Fogarty, on behalf of the people of the Flat, thanked the performers for their very successful efforts and the people for their grand attendance. To the accompanists— Misses Maureen Griffin, L. Higgins, and Mr. Heppell—we are truly grateful, as well as to Messrs. Kim Williams, E. McDonnell, James, and Kennedy who gave such valuable assistance. The dance which followed was taken part in by over one hundred couples, and was a great success.. Many thanks are due to the musicians— Burke, K. O’Brien, D. Daly, and Mr. Haybittle. Great credit is due to Messrs. J. O’Meara and J. Doolan who organised the concert and dance and helped to crown the big programme with success. A sumptuous supper was supplied by the ladies of the parish. The concert and dance are over, but aged men will in days to come speak with happy memories of a great night in Heppell’s Hall a long, long time ago.